Missiles are a form of advanced weaponry which have been used since the beginning of modern warfare. This article aims to explore the definition of missiles, the history of their development, and the impact they have had on global politics and military tactics.
Missiles can be defined as self-propelled, non-aircraft weapons. They are typically powered by rocket engines, and are primarily used to deliver a payload over a distance. Missiles can either be guided or unguided, depending on their use. Guided missiles are able to be maneuvered accurately to their target, while unguided missiles are relatively simple and fly in a straight line until they reach the target. There are many different types of missiles, including anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-tank missiles. They have been used in the military since World War II and continue to be used today in conflicts around the world. Missiles are often considered one of the most deadly weapons due to their accuracy and destructive power.
The history of missiles stretches back to the earliest days of warfare. In the 12th century, arrows and other projectiles were used in battle, and by the 16th century, early cannons were a mainstay of the battlefield. In the 19th century, the invention of gunpowder led to the development of the first guided missiles, with the creation of the Congreve rocket in Britain. Since then, missile technology has advanced rapidly, with the advent of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and advances in both propulsion and guidance systems.
In the 20th century, missiles became increasingly popular for use in modern warfare. During World War II, Germany developed the infamous V-2 rocket, which was the first long-range ballistic missile. It was followed by the Soviet Union's Sergei Korolev and the development of their R-7 ICBM. In the 1950s and 60s, both the United States and Soviet Union began their space programs, which included further development of rockets and missiles. Today, missiles continue to play a major role in both conventional warfare and military operations. They are also used for satellite launches, launching probes into deep space, and more.
Missiles have had a profound impact on both military and political history. In the 20th century, missiles were used to devastating effect in several major wars, with the most notable being the Vietnam War, in which missiles were used to strike targets deep in enemy territory. Additionally, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) became a major factor in the Cold War, as both the United States and the Soviet Union sought to build up their nuclear capability to an unprecedented extent.
Missiles also had a major role in the emerging 'space race' between the United States and the Soviet Union, with both countries attempting to be the first to launch satellites into orbit, as well as to be the first to send a man to the moon. The successful launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union in 1957 sparked a rapid period of research and development in the area of missile technology, as both sides sought to gain the upper hand militarily and politically.
The impact of missiles has been far-reaching, with modern society in the 21st century now heavily dependent on them for a range of civilian and military purposes. A variety of missiles are used to launch satellites into space, while others are used to defend countries from incoming threats. Furthermore, unmanned missiles are increasingly being used in warfare, providing a range of capabilities such as intelligence gathering and precision strikes. Thus, it is clear that missiles have had an immense impact on global society.